Latest news from Magicians.co.uk

An exciting new project is using magicians to change the lives of children with hemiplegia.

Breathe Magic camps have come about through a partnership between Breathe Health Research and Guys and St Thomas’ Charity as well as magicians, clinicians, therapists and researchers. Hemiplegia, a condition which causes a weakening or paralysis of one side of the body, affects 1 in 4000 people in the UK.

During the camps, the children receive 60 hours of intensive magic training over 10 days. The tricks they learn have been specially designed by magicians and occupational therapists to include rehabilitation exercises to strengthen hands and improve flexibility and dexterity. As well as the physical benefits, the camps are great fun and kids benefit from increased confidence and pride in their new skills.

A team from Oxford Brookes University is evaluating the results and the early signs are encouraging, with experts predicting that magic could be an effective therapy for children with a whole range of motor conditions.

Click here for more information on this inspiring project.